No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God. Luke 962 our church property totals about two acres of land. Mowing and trimming takes a little time and effort. I was trimming the edges of the lawn this week and was nearly finished, having only about 75ft left when my weed eater ran out of fuel. With no fuel left, the weed eater stopped. Of course. I was around on the front side of the building, as far away from the gas can as one can possibly be. So I had to walk all the way around the building to refuel so that I could finish the job. As I'm walking to get fuel, I'm thinking to myself of all times to run out of gas with just a few feet left before the job is done. How frustrating and how like some christians who start out all gung ho for Jesus, eager and excited and ready to conquer the world for Christmas, but somewhere down the road they run out of fuel. Their enthusiasm wanes, their commitment to bible study and prayer grows weak, their attendance at Sunday school and worship become sporadic at best, and the work of the church is no longer a priority. Long years ago I heard someone talking about the enthusiasm of new christians. He seemed quite excited about it until the older member he was talking with said, true, they are excited now, but give them a few years and they'll calm down and be just like the rest of us. What a sad commentary. Luke tells about three individuals who came to Jesus promising to follow him wherever he led them. Two of that trio said, lord, I will follow you, but first I want to go do this or that. Jesus answered, no one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God. Ball games are lost when a team starts out strong but loses focus and drive down the stretch. It happens in the church too, but the difference is that the christian life is no game. The outcome is for keeps. So we need to make sure that we remain faithful and don't run out of gas before the job is done.

This has been your thought for the day with Steve Burkham, pastor of Community Christian Church in Stockton, California. If you have questions or comments for Pastor Steve, please send them to dailythoughtspodcastmail.com. Have a great day and we hope youll join us tomorrow as pastor Steve opens gods word to bring us another thought for the day.